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Managing type 2 diabetes

Managing Type 2 Diabetes

Mar 1st, 2022

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Managing Type 2 Diabetes

Tuesday, March 1st, 2022

Awareness of Type 2 Diabetes among patients

India is home to one in every six diabetics worldwide. More than 77 million diabetics live in India, making it the world’s second-largest diabetic population. The majority of these cases are of type 2 diabetes, which is more common in urban areas. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic medical condition in which the levels of sugar, or glucose, build up in your bloodstream. In type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t make or use the insulin properly. It is recommended to screen your blood sugar levels regularly to diagnose and treat diabetes early. Lifestyle changes, medication, healthy eating and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels help patients with type 2 diabetes live better and healthier.

Managing your Type 2 Diabetes

It is highly recommended to consult a specialist to know more about your diabetes and find healthy ways to manage it. Certain lifestyle changes and medications help control your blood sugar levels. Follow these steps to manage diabetes lifelong:

  • Learn about diabetes
    Ask questions to your doctor, know more about type 2 diabetes.
  • Know your ABCs
    Speak to your doctor about how to manage your A1C (blood sugar), Blood pressure, and Cholesterol. This can help lower your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes complications.
  • Learn how to live with diabetes
    It is common to feel overwhelmed, sad, or angry when you are diagnosed with diabetes. Take healthy steps to live better with diabetes.
  • Be regular with medical care
    See your health care team at least twice a year to find and treat any problems early.

Frequently asked questions about Type 2 Diabetes

Have you been recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes? Here are some common questions about this condition:

1. What are the recommended blood sugar target levels?
It is recommended to maintain a target blood sugar range of 80 to 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) before a meal and less than 180 mg/dl one to two hours after starting a meal. Consult your doctor about what blood sugar levels are appropriate for you.

2. How often should one check their blood sugar?
The number of times you check your blood sugar is determined by the kind of diabetes you have and the type of diabetic medication you are taking. When you first wake up (fasting), before a meal, 2 hours after a meal, and before night are some of the common times to check your blood sugar. Talk with your doctor for further guidance.

3. Who should use diabetes home tests?
Your doctor will help you decide if you need to test your blood sugar at home and guide you how frequently it must be done. By maintaining your blood sugar levels at a normal range, you can help prevent diabetes complications.

4. How can my diabetes affect your pregnancy?
Pregnancy can worsen certain long-term diabetes problems, such as eye problems and kidney disease, or may lead to preeclampsia. Work with your gynaecologist closely to have a healthy pregnancy.

Myths and facts about Diabetes

Stop believing in these common diabetes myths:

Myth: It is okay to binge on sugar-free foods.
Fact: That is not true. Sugar free foods can be part of a healthy meal plan in limited quantities. Many sugar free foods are loaded with calories, carbohydrates and artificial sweeteners.

Myth: One will always know when the sugar is high or low, testing is not needed.
Fact: You can’t rely on how you’re feeling when it comes to your blood sugar level. You may feel shaky or lightheaded because your blood sugar is low, or due to some other health condition. The only way to know for sure is to check your blood sugar.

Myth: People with diabetes can’t eat sweets.
Fact: There’s no reason people with type 2 diabetes can’t eat sweets, as long as they fit into a normal meal plan. Always have sweets in small portions, and include them with other foods.

Myth: Only the overweight get type 2 diabetes
Fact: That is not true. Being overweight or obese may be a risk factor in type 2 diabetes, however even people who are underweight or fit may also get diabetes.

Stay healthy with Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle disease. Here are a few lifestyle changes to adapt to live better with diabetes:

  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Get regular exercise.
  • Quit smoking.
  • Avoid alcohol.
  • Keep your skin dry and clean.
  • Get your eyes and kidneys checked.
  • Limit your intake of sugary foods.
  • Eat more lean proteins and whole grains.
  • Stay away from fried, processed and junk foods.
  • Manage stress better.
  • Take medications as prescribed.

Diabetes Treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

While a diagnosis of diabetes can be life-altering, timely steps can help manage it better. It’s important to consult a diabetologist and learn more about healthy eating habits, exercise and lifestyle changes to manage it. With a focus on compassionate, patient-centric care highly trained diabetologists at our Centre for Diabetes and Obesity help you control your diabetes and live as normal a life as possible. Please find below website details for further information: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_diabetesbariatricsurgery.html

Living with Epilepsy

Tuesday, February 15th, 2022

In India, it is estimated that around 10 million people suffer from epilepsy, affecting roughly 1% of the population. It affects almost 50 million individuals worldwide, making it one of the most common neurological diseases. Epilepsy is a neurological illness in which the brain activity becomes aberrant, resulting in seizures or episodes of odd behaviour, feelings, and occasionally loss of consciousness. If diagnosed on time and treated correctly, up to 70% of persons with epilepsy could live seizure-free. 

People with epilepsy often experience changes in their quality of life such as limited mobility, as well as the impact on learning, employment, relationships, and social interactions. In order to live a near normal life it is important to understand how to manage epilepsy better and seek specialist medical help. The challenges of living with epilepsy may be different for children, adolescents, and seniors than for adults and each age group needs a lot of support from their family, community and medical team. Together we can all make a difference to help people overcome the challenges of epilepsy, treat epilepsy and aim to live a seizure-free.

Living with Epilepsy

Living with epilepsy means learning about the condition, getting the right medical help, being prepared for seizures and making your environment as safe as possible. Here are a few tips to live better with epilepsy:

Work

Having epilepsy does not necessarily stop someone from  working, however there will be certain limitations on basis of the nature of work. If you have seizures, you may not be able to do jobs that risk your safety or the safety of other people. 

Sports and Leisure

Most people with epilepsy can take part in sports and other leisure activities if their seizures are well controlled. However, doctors recommend avoiding swimming, water sports, or taking part in adventure sports like paragliding, parasailing, rafting, etc

School and Education

Children with epilepsy can attend regular school and also participate in school activities. You must make the child’s school and teachers aware of their condition and keep them updated about medication and seizure first-aid. Some children may need extra support and therapy to fulfil their educational requirements.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy may change the effectiveness of your medication or how your seizures occur. Some women may find that their seizures are better controlled during pregnancy, or that you have more seizures than is usual for you. It is very important to work in co-ordination with your gynaecologist and neurologist to ensure that you receive continued epilepsy care during your pregnancy. 

Children and Epilepsy

Children with an illness like epilepsy may suffer emotional problems, like low self-esteem or depression. This can also lead to feelings anger, embarrassment, frustration, etc. Here is how you can help your child:

  • Make your child aware about the disease.
  • Focus on things that they can do.
  • Educate the family about the condition.
  • Seek counselling if required.
  • Explain seizure first-aid to everyone.

Home Safety

It is important to make minor changes in your house to make it safer and convenient for people who have seizures. Here are some simple changes recommended by doctors for epilepsy patients:

  • Spot any potential dangers like sharp furniture corners, slippery floors, loose wires and take the required action.
  • Avoid use of glass tables.
  • Keep all walkways clear of obstacles.
  • Install a shower chair, non-slip mats, and grab bars to make bathing a safe experience.

Trigger of Epilepsy Seizures

The seizure triggers of one person may be radically different from those of another. Keeping a seizure diary where you note down the details will help you in the long run to identify  certain triggers and avoid them: Some of the common ones include:

  • Missed medication
  • Stress
  • Lack of sleep
  • Alcohol
  • Menstruation

Seizure first-aid: Do’s and Don’ts

There are many types of seizures. Most seizures last for only a few minutes.

What to do when someone is having a seizure:

  • Stay with the person until the seizure ends and he or she is fully awake.
  • Comfort the person and speak calmly.
  • Keep yourself and other people calm.
  • Call for medical services if needed.

What not to do when someone is having a seizure:

  • Do not hold the person down or try to restrain his or her movements.
  • Do not put anything in the person’s mouth.
  • Do not offer water or food until he or she is fully alert.

Epilepsy Treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Concerned about a loved one suffering from epilepsy? The Comprehensive Epilepsy Care Programme is organised to provide multi-faceted and advanced epilepsy care to adults and children with epilepsy. Our Centre for Neurosciences is the first centre in Western India to be equipped with high-end diagnostic facilities and provides medical as well as surgical treatment options for simple as well as complex epilepsy cases. Our highly experienced team of neurosurgeons have performed over 200 successful epilepsy surgeries. The team also conducts regular sessions to create awareness and remove fears about epilepsy in the community. Our Support Group for Epilepsy meets regularly with epilepsy patients and addresses common social, employment, as well as educational issues for patients. Please find below our website details for further information: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_neurosciences/epilepsy.html

Cancer Awareness

Thursday, February 3rd, 2022

Shocked and surprised at a loved one’s cancer diagnosis? Being diagnosed with cancer and going through intensive treatment can cause immense physical discomfort as well as an emotional upheaval. As per statistics by multiple cancer research organizations; early detection and treatment helps save lives of cancer patients. Regular cancer screening is recommended for everyone. Cancer causes cells to divide uncontrollably. This can result in tumours, damage to the immune system, and other impairment that can prove fatal. India saw over 14 lakh new cancer cases in 2020 and the leading cancers were: breast, lung, mouth, cervix, uterus and tongue. World Health Organization (WHO) speculates that one in 10 Indians will develop cancer during their lifetime and one in 15 will die of the disease. The theme for this year’s World Cancer Day, celebrated on 4th February “Close the Care Gap” aims to raise awareness about cancer and provide appropriate cancer care to all.

Types of Cancer

Cancer refers to an abnormal & unregulated growth of tissue, which may invade surrounding normal structures and also spread to sites distant from that of origin. These cells are termed cancer cells, malignant cells, or tumour cells. They are further identified by the name of the tissue that the abnormal cells originated from (for example, lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, etc). Cancers are broadly of 3 types:

  • Carcinomas (70%)
    Arise in membranes (coverings) and glands/ ducts of glands; commonest type of cancer; usually spreads to neighbouring sites, then to distant sites; important sites include head-neck, lung, breast, prostate, oesophagus, colorectum & anus.
  • Sarcomas (10-20%)
    Arise from bone/muscle/nerve; less common; spreads to distant sites early.
  • Blood cancers
    This includes leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma.

Symptoms of Cancer

It’s important to be aware of the warning symptoms of cancer, regardless of your age or health. Some of the signs and symptoms aren’t usually indicative of cancer. However it is critical to consult a medical specialist to assess your health and take appropriate action. The following are some of the most common cancer signs and symptoms in both men and women:

  • Abnormal periods or pelvic pain.
  • Breast changes.
  • Chronic cough.
  • Excessive bruising.
  • Frequent fevers or infections.
  • Skin changes.
  • Persistent pain and fatigue.
  • Stomach pain or nausea.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Unusual lumps.

Risk factors of Cancer

There has been extensive research on cancer over the years and studies suggest that the most common causes and risk factors of cancer are:

  • Alcohol intake.
  • Tobacco use.
  • Lack of physical activity.
  • Being overweight or obese.
  • Poor dietary habits.
  • Radiation exposure.
  • Virus infections and other infections.
  • Family history.

Common questions about Cancer

Cancer is a serious health condition and may be difficult for some people to understand and care about. Here are some common questions to ask your doctor and understand your condition better:

  • What risk factors do I have about cancer?
  • What is my chance of developing cancer?
  • How can I lower my risk of cancer?
  • What cancer screening tests do you recommend?

Cancer prevention

There is no definitive way to prevent cancer. However, you can make changes to lower the risk of getting cancer. Here are a few changes to adapt:

  • Aim to be a maintain a healthy weight throughout life.
  • Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day.
  • Limit sugar and salt intake.
  • Eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.
  • Avoid alcohol and tobacco use.
  • Exclusively breastfeed your baby.
  • Get vaccinated.
  • Be regular with cancer screenings.

Cancer care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Cancer symptoms vary according to the site of the disease. However, any abnormal lump or any unusual bleeding or discharge needs to be investigated by a specialist. Meet our team of highly trained specialists for comprehensive cancer care using high-end technologies that match international standards. Our team of oncologists and onco-surgeons work closely with the patient and offer multi-modal treatment that includes radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgical treatment as well as rehabilitation care.

Our advanced technology includes:

  • Minimal Access Surgery and Robotic Surgery for most cancers.
  • Trilogy for radiotherapy, EdgeTM and Novalis Tx for radiosurgery.
  • Latest PET Scan for precise diagnosis.

Consult our team of experts at our Centre for Cancer for prevention, timely screening, early diagnosis and appropriate cancer care. Please find below the website details for further information: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_cancer.html

All About Cervical Cancer

Wednesday, January 19th, 2022

India is responsible for roughly one-third of all cervical cancer fatalities worldwide, with 122,844 cases diagnosed each year. According to the Globocan 2020 report, cervical cancer affects 18.3 percent of Indian women. Due to lack of awareness, hesitancy, or restricted access to medical services, only a small percentage of women in India are screened for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treated cancers once diagnosed, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively. The month of January is observed as “Cervical Cancer Awareness Month,” with the goal of raising awareness about cervical cancer prevention, screening, and treatment.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer happens when cells change in women’s cervix, which connects the uterus and vagina. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common cause behind cervical cancer. There are around 100 different forms of HPV, with about 14 of them being high-risk cancer-causing strains. Most HPV infections in women clear without any intervention within 2 years. The high-risk strains of the virus can survive in the body for up to two years, integrating with cells and progressing to cervical cancer. Early detection requires regular screening.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

A person may have no symptoms at all in the early stages of cervical cancer. This makes regular pap smear tests even more essential. A pap smear test is a preventive measure and it not only helps identify the disease, but also reveals any cell alterations that may signify the onset of cancer so that treatment can begin sooner. Here are some of the most common signs of cervical cancer:

  • Pelvic pain.
  • Bleeding between periods.
  • Bleeding after sexual intercourse.
  • Bleeding in post-menopausal women.
  • Vaginal discharge with a strong odour.
  • Discomfort during sexual intercourse.

These symptoms may also happen due to other underlying health conditions. Consult a gynaecologist for further investigation and care.

Risk factors for Cervical Cancer

Here are some risk factors that increase your risk of getting cervical cancer:

  • Multiple sexual partners.
  • Early sexual activity.
  • Use of contraceptive pills.
  • Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  • A weakened immune system. 
  • Smoking.

How can you Prevent Cervical Cancer?

Based on your age, overall health, and personal risk for cervical cancer, you can take some precautionary measures to reduce your risk of getting cervical cancer. Work with you gynaecologist to know more about these preventive measures:

  • Be regular with pap smear tests
    A Pap test is your first line of defence against cervical cancer. During a pelvic exam, your gynaecologist will take a sample of your cervical cells to look for ones that could become cancer.
  • Get an HPV vaccine
    Vaccines can help protect children and young adults against certain HPV infections.
  • Practicing safe sex
    Limiting sexual partners, using condoms and abstaining from sex at early ages helps limit your risk of cervical cancer.
  • Not smoking
    Quit smoking to reduce your risk of cervical cancer.

Cervical Cancer: Myths and Facts

There’s a lot of misinformation about cervical cancer, let us clear the most common myths and facts about this condition:

Myth: If you have HPV, you will surely develop cervical cancer.
Fact: There are over 100 different strains of HPV, some of which are associated with a higher risk of cervical cancer than others. HPV-16 or HPV-18 are responsible for over 70% of HPV-related cervical cancers. However, most genital HPV infections, do not result in cancer.

Myth: Cervical cancer only occurs in less developed countries.
Fact: Cervical cancer affects people in all countries worldwide. However, due to lack of regular screenings and early care, it is more common in less developed countries.

Myth: I’ve received the HPV vaccine, so I don’t need Pap tests.
Fact: Regular Pap tests are still necessary for everyone who have had the HPV vaccine. The vaccine protects against some types of HPV, but not all of them, making regular screenings essential.

Myth: Pap smear screening checks for all gynaecologic cancers.
Fact: That is not true. The test does not screen for other gynaecologic cancers such as ovarian cancer and fallopian cancer, it tests only for cervical cancer.

Cervical Cancer Treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Our Centre for Cancer offers comprehensive cancer care for the prevention, screening and early detection of cervical cancer. The team of highly trained oncologists and onco-surgeons offer specialized cervical cancer care and are supported with advanced technology. Our team of doctors provide compassionate care and multi-modal treatment options for cervical cancer that include medical therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, etc. Please find below our website details for further information: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_cancer/gynecologicaloncology.html

Thyroid Awareness

Saturday, January 15th, 2022

Thyroid diseases have become one of the most common health concerns in India, with an increasing number of people being diagnosed with them. Thyroid diseases affect 42 million Indians, with hypothyroidism affecting one out of every ten men and women. One-third of thyroid patients in India still remain unaware of their condition. Over time, untreated thyroid dysfunction can lead to obesity, joint pain, infertility, and heart disease. This disorder affects people of all ages, but women are more likely to develop it. January is celebrated as “Thyroid Awareness Month” worldwide to raise awareness regarding the various health problems related to the thyroid gland. Let us look at the common thyroid disorders, symptoms, complications and tips to manage your thyroid condition.

Common Thyroid Problems

Some of the most common thyroid problems include:

  • Goiter – enlargement of the thyroid gland.
  • Hyperthyroidism – when your thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormones than your body needs.
  • Hypothyroidism – when your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormones.
  • Thyroid cancer.
  • Thyroid nodules – lumps in the thyroid gland.
  • Thyroiditis – swelling of the thyroid.

Symptoms of Thyroid

Thyroid disease is a term that refers to a group of disorders that have similar symptoms. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can have opposing effects on the same physiological systems, but goitre, thyroid cancer, and Grave’s disease each have their own set of symptoms. Your thyroid affects many different body systems and can have symptoms like:

1. Weight Changes

Unexplained weight changes can be a sign of a thyroid disorder

  • In hypothyroidism, you may gain excess weight.
  • In hyperthyroidism, you may experience sudden weight loss.
  • Not everyone with thyroid disease will have these changes.

2. Temperature

Both forms of thyroid disease can make you temperature-sensitive.

  • In hypothyroidism you may feel cold.
  • In hyperthyroidism you may feel hot and sweaty despite a normal temperature around you.

3. Fatigue and Sleep

Sleep issues and fatigue are common with thyroid issues in spite of a good night’s rest.

Hypothyroidism can make you

  • Wake up exhausted, even after 8 hours of night sleep.
  • Take longer naps.

Hyperthyroidism can make you

  • Have a hard time falling asleep.
  • Have sleep disturbances.
  • Feel anxious at bed time.

4. Mental Health

Depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders are common with thyroid problems.

5. Neck or Throat

Thyroid conditions can cause health problems in your neck or throat. It may lead to autoimmune thyroid disease, nodules, goiter or enlarged thyroid or thyroid cancer. This may cause swelling of the neck, trouble swallowing or breathing, a hoarse voice.

6. Hair, Skin, and Nails

An imbalance in your thyroid hormones may cause changes in your hair, skin, and nails. It may lead to brittle, dry hair, severe hair loss, fine hair, brittle, thin, dull hair,

7. Bowel Habits

Thyroid conditions can cause digestion problems such as persistent constipation,  diarrhoea, loose stools, or irritable bowel syndrome.

8. Menstruation and Fertility

Thyroid conditions can increase your risk of irregular periods, infertility and may raise your risk of having miscarriages.

9. Eye Problems

Thyroid conditions can affect your eyes and may cause symptoms like dryness, blurred vision, swollen puffy eyes, or proptosis.

10. Musculoskeletal System

You may experience muscular pains and joint discomfort, particularly in your arms and legs, if your thyroid is hyperactive. For persons with an underactive thyroid, fibromyalgia-like pain is prevalent, and you may also have carpal tunnel syndrome in your hands.

Thyroid Complications

Early diagnosis and timely treatment of thyroid can help lower the risk of complications. Here are some complications that you must watch out for:

Hypothyroidism

  • Neuropathy.
  • Trouble conceiving a baby.
  • Pregnancy complications.

Hyperthyroidism

  • Osteoporosis.
  • Atrial fibrillation.
  • Pregnancy complications.

How to manage your Thyroid

Work with a specialist to help monitor and treat your thyroid levels. Take your medications on time and be regular with your thyroid tests to reassess the medication requirements if needed. Here are some health measures to adopt to reduce the impact of thyroid and help control it:

  • Avoid packaged foods.
  • Practice good sleep hygiene.
  • Get daily sunlight.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Manage stress better
  • Quit smoking.
  • Have vitamins, proteins and whole grains.

Thyroid care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Meet highly trained and experienced endocrinologists at our Thyroid Clinic for a detailed diagnosis of your thyroid condition. The team is equipped with advanced thyroid care facilities to conduct thyroid profile, ultrasound, fine needle aspiration cytology, isotope scanning, radio-iodine treatment and surgery. Please find the below website link for further information: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/endocrinologydiabetes/thyroidclinic.html

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